Read Blog>7 Ways That Energy-Efficient Windows Could Improve Your Home

7 Ways That Energy-Efficient Windows Could Improve Your Home

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 9:49 AM

Whether a foul ball recently broke your front window or your entire home could use the facelift and increase in value that a window replacement provides, you have numerous characteristics to consider when choosing new windows for your home. In addition to choosing the frame material and color, muntin bar style, and correct size, you must also decide on appropriate glass design.

One of the window types you may consider is energy-efficient glass. While energy-efficient windows can come with a higher initial investment than some other glass varieties, many homeowners find that this decision provides the following seven benefits in their homes.

1. Comfort

Perhaps the most obvious way that energy-efficient windows improve a home is by increasing comfort year round. Energy-efficient windows have better seals to prevent the drafts that can develop with other types of window glass.

Additionally, energy-efficient windows are designed to resist heat transfer. This means that you can enjoy the view and natural light from your windows without worrying about accidentally heating up your home more in the summer or letting heat escape in the winter.

2. Less Required Maintenance

In addition to safeguards against drafts and heat transfer, energy-efficient windows also accumulate less condensation than single pane windows. This reduced moisture both decreases the amount of maintenance you need to perform on the windows and increases the windows' expected lifespan.

Condensation and other forms of moisture can wear down the seals around window glass or potentially lead to mold and rot. In cold climates, too much condensation can also lead to frost and freezing, which reduces indoor comfort and puts undue stress on the window frame and on the glass itself.

3. Lower Noise Pollution

Energy-efficient windows use state-of-the-art insulation techniques in order to provide the two previous benefits we discussed. This insulation also has the benefit of decreasing the noise level inside your home.

This benefit can be particularly advantageous if you have young children, have noise-sensitive family members or pets, work from home, or live in a loud area like on a busy street or near an airport.

If ambient noise currently keeps you up at night or distracts your family from other activities, energy-efficient windows may be the answer. Lower noise pollution can also make your home significantly more attractive to potential buyers if you plan to sell it in the future.

4. Peace of Mind

In order to be certified energy efficient, these windows undergo extensive testing and careful manufacturing. These processes ensure that energy-efficient windows weather inclement conditions better, hold up more effectively over time, and maintain a guaranteed level of protection from drafts, heat, and noise for years.

When you install subpar windows, you may worry that your investment will go to waste in a few years if the frames warp from condensation or your heating and cooling bills increase. When you choose energy-efficient windows, you have peace of mind knowing that the product is certified and likely warrantied.

5. Reduced Property Damage

Conventional windows can lead to more than cold spots and noise pollution. Many single pane traditional windows also allow too much heat and moisture into your home, putting your belongings at risk of UV light or water damage.

The seal on energy-efficient windows reduces the risk of harmful moisture intrusion. With less exposure to moisture, your frames, window sills, and window panes will last longer and stay stronger over time.

Additionally, energy-efficient windows have a glass coating that filters out certain wavelengths of light, which protects your carpet, rugs, artwork, and furnishings from fading due to sunlight exposure.

6. Savings

While all of the benefits on this list are undeniably important, one of the most persuasive ways energy-efficient windows may improve your home is by reducing your costs. Not only do energy-efficient windows have lower maintenance costs and less risk of costly repairs, but these windows also reduce HVAC costs as mentioned in section four.

When you have energy-efficient windows, all of the air treated by your air conditioner, furnace, or air purifier stays inside your home because there aren't any drafts. Additionally, the lack of heat transfer means that your HVAC system doesn't have to perform at as high of a level to maintain your desired temperature.

These characteristics translate into lower energy bills, especially during the summer and winter seasons.

7. Sustainable Practices

In addition to the benefit to your wallet that energy-efficient windows provide, the decision to install energy-efficient windows can significantly decrease the amount of power you use for heating and cooling. When you use less power, your home's carbon footprint decreases. This sustainable choice can make your property more environmentally friendly overall.

As you make decisions about your windows, consider the benefits offered by energy-efficient models.

For comprehensive residential glass services, including window upgrades and broken window replacement, trust the expert team at Valley Glass.